What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
resilient
Example
Despite facing many obstacles, she remained resilient and never gave up. [resilient: adjective]
Example
The rubber ball was very resilient and bounced back easily. [resilient: adjective]
Example
The company's resilient business model allowed it to survive during tough economic times. [resilient: adjective]
tough
Example
She is a tough athlete who never gives up, no matter how hard the game gets. [tough: adjective]
Example
The leather jacket is tough and durable, perfect for outdoor activities. [tough: adjective]
Example
It's going to be a tough challenge to finish this project on time. [tough: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tough is more commonly used than resilient in everyday language. Tough is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while resilient is less common and often used in specific contexts such as business or psychology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between resilient and tough?
Both resilient and tough can be used in formal and informal contexts, but resilient may be more commonly used in professional or academic settings due to its specific connotations.